JACK MCKENNA
RESIDENT TEACHER
Jack McKenna has been studying Chinese internal arts for over a decade. Much of that training has been with the Wutang Physical Culture Association, where he studies taijiquan (tai chi), baguazhang, xingyiquan and daoist meditation practices under Frank Allen and Tina Zhang. Jack participated in a bai shi ceremony in 2021, making him an inner door student of the lineage. Jack also studies privately under the Zhong Ding system of Jim Russo, with a focus on detailed refinement of internal principles through the medical qigong practices of B.P. Chan.
ROOT LINAGE: Wu style taijiquan was founded by Wu Quanyou, a Qing Dynasty military officer and direct student of the Yang family. While the Wu family moved to Shanghai and later Hong Kong, our system is based off of the lineage of practitioners who stayed in Beijing. Frank Allen and Tina Zhang spent approximately two decades making yearly trips to Beijing to learn the art from the late Grandmaster Li Bing Ci.
PRACTICE WITH JACK
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
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This style is known for smooth movement and small frame stances, making it particularly suited for healing and longevity despite still being a martial art. When coming to class you should expect standing meditation, warm up movements, form training, and cooperative two person drills. Wear loose comfortable clothing, bring a covered water bottle, and expect to be on your feet for most of the class, but take breaks when necessary. Chinese martial arts are not strict disciplined dojos, but a friendly gathering held together by a love of the art.